add-to-todos

Add Todo Item

Context

• Current timestamp: !date "+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M"

Instructions

1. Read TO-DOS.md in the working directory (create with Write tool if it doesn't exist)

2. Check for duplicates:

   • Extract key concept/action from the new todo
   • Search existing todos for similar titles or overlapping scope
   • If found, ask user: "A similar todo already exists: [title]. Would you like to:\n\n1. Skip adding (keep existing)\n2. Replace existing with new version\n3. Add anyway as separate item\n\nReply with the number of your choice."
   • Wait for user response before proceeding

3. Extract todo content:

   • With $ARGUMENTS: Use as the focus/title for the todo and context heading
   • Without $ARGUMENTS: Analyze recent conversation to extract:
     • Specific problem or task discussed
     • Relevant file paths that need attention
     • Technical details (line numbers, error messages, conflicting specifications)
     • Root cause if identified

4. Append new section to bottom of file:

   • Heading: ## Brief Context Title - YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM (3-8 word title, current timestamp)
   • Todo format: - **[Action verb] [Component]** - [Brief description]. **Problem:** [What's wrong/why needed]. **Files:** [Comma-separated paths with line numbers]. **Solution:** [Approach hints or constraints, if applicable].
   • Required fields: Problem and Files (with line numbers like path/to/file.ts:123-145)
   • Optional field: Solution
   • Make each section self-contained for future Claude to understand weeks later
   • Use simple list items (not checkboxes) - todos are removed when work begins

5. Confirm and offer to continue with original work:

   • Identify what the user was working on before /add-to-todos was called
   • Confirm the todo was saved: "✓ Saved to todos."
   • Ask if they want to continue with the original work: "Would you like to continue with [original task]?"
   • Wait for user response

Format Example

## Add Todo Command Improvements - 2025-11-15 14:23

- **Add structured format to add-to-todos** - Standardize todo entries with Problem/Files/Solution pattern. **Problem:** Current todos lack consistent structure, making it hard for Claude to have enough context when revisiting tasks later. **Files:** `commands/add-to-todos.md:22-29`. **Solution:** Use inline bold labels with required Problem and Files fields, optional Solution field.

- **Create check-todos command** - Build companion command to list and select todos. **Problem:** Need workflow to review outstanding todos and load context for selected item. **Files:** `commands/check-todos.md` (new), `TO-DOS.md` (reads from). **Solution:** Parse markdown list, display numbered list, accept selection to load full context and remove item.